An important part of being able to tow a trailer is learning how to back up. It sounds like it should be relatively easy, after all, when you tow it, it just follows along after you. But as soon as you put it in reverse, things might not seem so easy. This can be hard enough when you’re on your own, but it seems even more difficult if you’re trying to back into a campsite when other people are around and watching.
While backing up a trailer might not be intuitive, with a little practice and the right equipment, it can become second nature.
Start by learning the basics
The first place you need to start is by learning the basics. Many people new to backing up a trailer quickly grow frustrated because it seems that the trailer refuses to go in the direction they want it to go. A simple way to correct this is to move your hands from the top of the steering wheel to the bottom of the wheel. Once you do this, the back end of the trailer starts to move in the direction you’re turning the wheel instead of in the opposite direction as you move in reverse.
If you start to get off course from where you want to go and need to straighten it out again, pull forward. It’s very difficult to straighten when you’re in reverse. This allows you to start over, which is usually going to be much easier.
Stay calm
This may seem like simple advice, but it’s important to keep in mind as you begin learning how to back up your trailer. If it’s not going as planned, it’s easy to get frustrated. It can be even harder when there are other people watching. You may feel that you need to hurry if people are waiting to get past you or you may just want to hurry so you don’t look like a newbie.
Remember that other RV owners understand the difficulties of backing up a trailer. And even if there are people around that don’t understand and are impatient, it’s not your problem. Don’t feel rushed because there are other people around.
The more flustered or angry you get, the harder it’s going to be to stay focused. So take a few deep breaths and clear your head. Take your time and move slowly so you can stay in control of the trailer easier and course-correct before you go too far and get locked up.
Make time to practice
It doesn’t matter how many articles you read or YouTube videos you watch, eventually, you’re going to have to do it for yourself. It’s recommended that you practice before heading out on a trip for the first time.
Find a big empty parking lot and bring some cones along. You can set the cones to the size of the pad you’re going to have at the campground. They tend to be 10-12 feet wide. Then, you can practice in a safe place where no one is hanging around watching you or waiting on you. You can practice until you’re comfortable with the process.
If you don’t own an RV yet and want to get some practice in ahead of time, there are a few simulators you can find online to test out your skills and get a little more familiar with what to pay attention to.
Try a popular technique
Swooping is a popular technique that RV owners use when backing their trailer into their campsite. When approaching your campsite, swerve toward your lot and before the front of your vehicle enters the lot, swoop away from the spot as you move forward until the backend of the trailer is at the opening for your lot. This should position you to be more aligned for backing in.
Get someone to guide you
It can help to have someone guiding you as you back up the trailer. But, many couples, can attest to the fact that this can be stressful as well. It helps to have a plan and clear rules of communication. For example, use the terms “driver’s side” and “passenger’s side” instead of left and right to avoid confusion. Use walkie-talkies instead of trying to yell to one another. This helps you hear each other more clearly. Ask clarifying questions if you need to, but do your best to trust your guide. They’re seeing what you can’t.
If you are traveling solo, many campgrounds will have someone on staff that can help guide you into your spot.
Get the right equipment
If you don’t have a backup camera installed with your trailer, get one. This helps you to see what’s behind you and where your trailer is headed. If you don’t have a guide with you, this is almost essential. But even if you do have a companion guide traveling with you, a backup camera is incredibly useful. Our staff can help you find the right backup camera for your vehicle and trailer.
If you’re still looking for the right travel trailer for you, check our inventory here. If you’re wondering how much your vehicle can tow, find out here https://www.skyriverrv.com/towing-guides/
